Lawmakers (Not Really) Overcome By Holiday Spirit

It may be the most awkward Christmas gift Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) has ever received: a paper angel ornament and - more to the point - a miniature lump of coal.

The giver was the irascible Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), who Flake mercilessly shamed on the House floor last summer for his now infamous "Christmas Tree" earmark. Flake, a.k.a. Mr. Anti-Government Waste, was hailed as a superhero by taxpayer watchdog groups for single handedly killing McHenry's pork project to expand the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree. The economic development project in a tiny Blue Ridge mountain town makes ornaments, soaps and other country-fried knickknacks.

McHenry sent the tiny lump of coal and angel ornament to all GOP members with a note that read: "Were you naughty or nice this year? What matters most is that your house is Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree this holiday season."

The spirit of the Christmas season overcame Flake's desire to punch McHenry's bratty little lights out. Instead, he laughed, saying, "I'm glad Patrick is a good sport and understands it was nothing personal."

We, however, remain convinced that the grudge-bearing, heel-nipping McHenry mistakenly sent Flake an angel with his fully intentioned lump of coal. Asked whether the gesture signaled forgiveness, McHenry said, "I just wanted to draw attention to products made in my district. Only Santa decides who's been naughty or nice."

William Jefferson- Sure that lump of coal is but that $90,000 is pocket change compared to the millions of dollars that were snatched up from Jack Abramoff. Helloo Duke Cunningham, where are you? He's lookin' real good in that orange jumpsuit. Shall we throw in, or throw out, Ralph Reed, Grover Nordquist and Mike Scanlon? Jesus saves but these guys are crooks. GOP is looking good!! Veto the S-CHIP. NICE!! Let's just say were about families and how Hillary is going to let the terrorists kill us all. Ya'll are unbelievable. Sure you hate us Dems because we're not afraid to point out how ridiculous you are. I'm sure you're against any kind of public funding for an art exhibit by some artist that might be gay but how much of our money did McHenry waste buying ornaments and then shipping them? Is anyone in the GOP paying attention? We can't have healthcare for children in America but we can pay for jokes among congressmen? Are you people for real? I'll be back.